Dogs found in crate nearly ready for new homes

by Kathy Remillard, k-rem@comcast.net

Courtesy Photo
These three dogs, believed to be a mother and her puppies, were found abandoned in a crate at Peaceworks Animal Sanctuary in Bedford. They are now at the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire being readied for adoption. (Courtesy Photo)

Three dogs found in a single crate on the grounds of the Peaceworks Animal Sanctuary have been transferred to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire and will soon be awaiting adoption.

The dogs were brought to the ARLNH on Aug. 15 by the Bedford animal control officer one day after a Peaceworks volunteer found the crate.

“They were found on the side of our driveway in the woods,” said Sheila Jacks, who runs the animal sanctuary with her husband, Ray Brouillette.

Jacks said the dogs, believed to be a mother and pups, were not the worst she’s seen.“They were skinny, but their coats weren’t neglected,” Jacks said. “All in all, they were in good shape for the condition they were found in.”

Jacks said she was not aware that the town of Bedford has a contract with the ARLNH to care for surrendered cats and dogs, but was not upset that the animals were moved to that facility.“We didn’t know that – we just assumed they could stay here,” she said.With its 12 acres of running space, Peaceworks was formed about a year ago. Jacks said animals at the sanctuary are treated like her pets.

She said the two organizations are different in the way they operate, but both are in business to help animals, and Peaceworks has worked with the ARLNH on other occasions.“We do work together with them. They run a class act organization,” she said.

At the ARLNH, the dogs have received flea and tick treatment, deworming and blood tests.Maureen Prendergast, director of outreach and investigations at the ARLNH, said the next step is to assess the dogs, who have been named Francesca, Gabriella and Adriana. That will include a full medical exam and behavior testing.

Once cleared, they will be spayed and placed on the adoption floor.

“At the ARLNH, we have the space and resources to make their stay as comfortable as possible,” Prendergast said.

Both organizations say that the dogs are getting good care, and that is the ultimate goal for each.

“We have the resources to help,” Prendergast said. “Plus, we think it sends a strong message about animal welfare facilities working together. In the end, it’s all about saving animals’ lives.”“There is no ill will, there is no battle going on between the two of us,” Jacks said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about working together for the benefit of the animals.”